SMIC’s at 12th & K Streets; top right photo courtesy of Downtown Sacramento Partnership

SMIC’s Sip & Quip, a new bar and restaurant located one block away from the Capitol, is open for business. The spot at 1200 K Street, Suite 8 across from the Esquire IMAX Theatre previously housed Downtown & Vine. Owner Paula Thompson says during the soft opening phase underway, the eatery will be open Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 9 p.m., and she plans to expand the hours of operation when indoor dining is allowed to resume. The drink menu consists of a variety of wines from around the world and locally crafted beer. Thompson expects to add a cocktail list by the end of the summer. As for the food, Thompson says all the small plates that are offered are meant to be shared. Dishes include a margarita flatbread made with housemade pesto, fresh mozzarella and basil; “fancy loaded tater tots” that are topped with pickled onion, tangy creme fraiche and caviar; and mac-and-cheese made with gruyere, aged parmesan and sharp cheddar cheeses. “The menu will rotate with the seasons as we use locally-sourced, fresh ingredients,” Thompson said. This is Thompson’s first restaurant in Sacramento; she co-owned the restaurant Hogwash in San Francisco before moving to the capital city a few years ago. She created a space that she says is “modern and sexy” with elegant decor including large golden-colored chairs. For now though, all the dining is being held on its six-table outdoor patio, but Thompson is looking forward to when she can allow guests to enjoy the space for political fundraisers, parties and other events. “This space was designed with events in mind, all the furniture can be moved around, we can do anything in here,” she said. Contact: Thompson, info@smicsbar.com.